People most susceptible to severe health problems from air pollution are:

Individuals with heart disease - such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure

Individuals with lung disease - such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD)

Pregnant women

Outdoor workers

Children under age 14, whose lungs are still developing

Athletes who exercise vigorously outdoors

High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems:

Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness

Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply the body with oxygen

Damaged cells in the respiratory system

Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects:

Accelerated aging of the lungs

Loss of lung capacity

Decreased lung function

Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer

Shortened life span

Health Effects from Specific Pollutants

Ground-level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
react with the sun's ultraviolet rays. The primary source of VOCs and NOx is mobile sources, including
cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment and agricultural equipment.

Ground-level ozone reaches its highest level during the afternoon and early evening hours. High levels
occur most often during the summer months. It is a strong irritant that can cause constriction of the
airways, forcing the respiratory system to work harder in order to provide oxygen. It can also cause other
health problems:

Aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma

Damage to deep portions of the lungs, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat
disappear
 Wheezing, chest pain, dry throat, headache or nausea

Reduced resistance to infection

Increased fatigue

Weakened athletic performance

Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate Matter is a complex mixture that may contain soot, smoke, metals, nitrates, sulfates, dust,
water and tire rubber. It can be directly emitted, as in smoke from a fire, or it can form in the atmosphere
from reactions of gases such as nitrogen oxides.

The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles
(known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter) pose the greatest problems because they can get deep into
your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both
your lungs and your heart.

Scientific studies have linked long-term particle pollution, especially fine particles, with significant health
problems including:

Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty

breathing

Decreased lung function

Aggravated asthma

Development of chronic respiratory disease in children

Development of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive lung disease

Irregular heartbeat

Nonfatal heart attacks

Premature death in people with heart or lung disease, including death from lung cancer

Short-term exposure to particles (hours or days) can:

Aggravate lung disease causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis

Increase susceptibility to respiratory infections

Cause heart attacks and arrhythmias in people with heart disease

Even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms, such as:

Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat

 Coughing

Chest tightness

Shortness of breath